Second Win For Nepal Cricket Team in Scotland

Aarif Sheikh won the Man of the Match for his career-best 78 runs. Photo: Cricket Association of Nepal

Kathmandu: Nepal continued its winning run in the ICC CWC League 2 tri-series in Scotland, defeating the Netherlands by five wickets in their second match held in Dundee on June 4. The victory, coming just days after a thrilling last-ball win over hosts Scotland, marks a strong start for new head coach Stuart Law.

After losing the toss, Nepal was put into the field. From the very start of the first innings, Nepal’s bowlers showed discipline and control to restrict the Dutch side to a total of 225. Sompal Kami led the attack with three wickets, while Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Lalit Rajbanshi chipped in with two each.

In response, Nepal faced early hiccups with the top order failing to settle. Aasif Sheikh scored 19 runs off 22 balls with three flamboyant boundaries before getting bowled to an inswinging length ball of Dutch bowler Paul van Meekeren. The top order showed some grit in the middle but struggled to rotate the strike, with opener Kushal Bhurtel scoring 25 runs off 42 balls, and Bhim Sharki scoring 11 runs off 26 balls. All three were gone before the 16th over, with the score below 70.

But a calm and composed innings from Aarif Sheikh, who top-scored with 78, anchored the chase. Captain Rohit Paudel provided support in the middle overs with 23 off 39 balls, while VC Dipendra Singh Airee (38 off 51 balls) and Gulshan Jha (11 off 4 balls) ensured a smooth finish. Jha sealed the win in style with a six, as Nepal chased down the target in 47.1 overs.

The back-to-back victories have not only boosted team morale but also pushed Nepal up the League 2 standings. They will now face Scotland again on June 8 in their next fixture of the series.